Chris Davies took the pre-match press duties this afternoon ahead of Wednesday night’s home clash with Hibernian.
The Hoops will be looking to record their sixth successive victory since returning from the winter break. But, if they are to do it, it will have to be with a patched up defence.
Celtic are going into the game with Filip Benkovic injured and Kristoffer Ajer suspended. Dedryck Boyata meanwhile is only just back in training and highly unlikely to feature.
Interestingly, however, Davies touched on this today via Celtic’s official Twitter. And despite making it clear there was defensive cover available, he refused to even admit Marvin Compper as an option in that regard.
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The club couldn’t get rid of him in January
Despite reports earlier this season about Compper potentially leaving in January, that didn’t come to fruition. Instead, he stayed at the club and is continuing to take wages despite giving us nothing in return.
The big German signed a criminally long two-and-a-half year deal when Celtic signed him last December. Since then, he’s only made one appearance. That deal also therefore has 18 months left to run on its contract.
But it’s quite incredible that Compper didn’t even get a mention here. It’s been months since Celtic fans had an update on his injury or fitness situation. Supporters now don’t even know if he’s available for selection because he’s so far down the pecking order.
Both Nir Bitton and Jack Hendry instead got mentions from Davies today. One player hasn’t featured at all this season and the other was close to leaving on a loan deal. Compper’s value to the club appears non-existent.
It’s difficult to predict how this deal with the former Leipzig man ends. Compper, after all, doesn’t have any obligation to go anywhere. Celtic were just as happy to go into this deal as he was, and are now surely regretting it.
Even with three centre-backs out injured and just one natural one as cover, Compper still can’t get a look-in.